SUPERVISOR PROVIDES INSTALLATION INFORMATION ON NEW WATER SYSTEM

More than 300 residents filled the Newstead Fire Hall on Cummings Road Tuesday evening asking for more information on the progress of Water District 5 in the southeast corner of town.

Supervisor Donald C. Holmes, who reviewed detailed information for new service installation, said the purpose of the meeting was to give residents the opportunity to ask questions.

The town and the Erie County Water Authority will provide a water service tap and tie-in from the new water main to the homeowner's service line at the road right-of-way line -- at no additional homeowner's cost -- for all properties that qualify for service.

All applicants who qualify by Oct. 1 will be provided a service tap and tie-in during the 1999 construction season, town officials said. The last day for applications is April 1, 2000. Those who qualify for service between Oct. 2 and March 31, 2000 will be provided a service tap and tie-in to the water line next spring. Residents will be required to install a meter pit if a home is more than 15 feet from the right-of-way line.

The main issues discussed by officials were the requirements of the water authority, installation costs, how to get hooked up to the new water line and funding for the district, which also includes the center of town from Main Road to Hunts Corners Road.

Officials also outlined general information on meters and said the Erie County Water Authority will furnish, install and maintain meters and meter couplings. The customer will install the necessary piping, fittings, valve and pipe couplings to receive the meter.

The new $3.4 million district, which would be financed through a 20-year bond at 6 percent interest, has been under discussion and planning for several years. It runs from the Alden town line to Route 5; South Newstead Road to the Genesee County line; Buell Street, Cummings Road and Clarence Center Road to Barnum Road.

The water line would supply water to about 286 homes, 20 apartments, 135 mobile homes, 25 businesses and an 800-unit recreational vehicle park.

The cost for property owners within the district would run between $475 and $525 for the average $75,000 single-family home. Annual water costs would be about $150.

"This is by far the biggest public works project Newstead has ever done," Holmes said. "It's really going quite well and I'm very pleased."